Spanish Language and Culture 10-3Y


5.4 Indirect Object Pronouns with the Verb Dar

The verb Dar is used with the words, me, te, le, os, nos, and les to indicate to whom something is given. These small words are called indirect object pronouns. They usually come before the conjugated verb. EG: Mi amigo me da un regalo - My friend gives me a gift.

You have already done this with Gustar  (Te gustan frutas.) For now, you just need to understand that these are extra, but necessary words.
Indirect Object Pronoun details become more important at a higher level.


Indirect Object Pronouns


me 
to/for me nos 
to/for us
te 
to/for you os 
to/for you
le 
to/for him, her, or to you (formal) les 
to/for them, or to all of you (formal)
The indirect object pronouns always refer to people. They are used when the action of the verb dar is directed to the person in the sentence. Let's take a closer look at the examples again.

Example Meaning
Mi papá le da las flores a mi mamá. 
The pronoun le and the verb da says that dad gives flowers to someone. The words a mi mamá specify to whom the flowers are given.
Yo le doy los juguetes a mi hermano. 
The pronoun le and the verb doy says I give toys to someone. The words a mi hermano specify to whom the toys are given.
Nosotros le damos el chocolate a mi amiga. 
The pronoun le and the verb damos says we give chocolate to someone. The words a mi amiga specify to whom the chocolate is given.
Let's take the examples and change the pronouns. How does this change the meaning of the sentence? Take a closer look:

Example Translation Meaning
Mi papá me da las flores a mí. 
My dad gives me flowers. The verb is still da (dad gives), but the flowers are now directed to me (me) instead of to the mom (a mi mamá).
Yo te doy los juguetes a ti. 
I give you the toys. The verb is still doy (I give), but the toys are now directed to you (te) instead of to my brother (a mi hermano).


Indirect Object Pronouns are explained in more detail in the next Content Lesson.

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